| FEBRUARY 2, 2011 --
“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.” Jack Handey
This is one of my favorite “Deep Thoughts” by Jack Handey from Saturday Night Live, it is humorous and true. No one likes criticism, at least no one I know. My favorite line is “let me offer some constructive criticism.” No thank you, I am all set. Criticism is criticism; it is neither constructive nor helpful. You want to help me take a look at what we did and improve it, I am in, you want to criticize, go a mile away from me, and here are my shoes.
There is an interesting tool we use at work, it is called HOOPLA. How Hoopla works is after an important meeting or event, those who were involved participate in a three question exercise.
• What Went Well?
• What did not go well?
• What to do differently?
Each question is intended to enable you to openly evaluate what happened at the meeting or event and should allow you to improve the next time. Always start with what went well, it is important to always start any discussion on a positive note.
Before your next meeting or event review the” What to do differently” items and incorporate them into the current meeting or event.
I encourage all Grange Leaders to use this tool to help improve our organization and make us stronger.
And remember, if you chose to be the criticizer, go ahead, by doing it from a mile away, we can’t hear you. |
